This month, PLoS ONE published a new research study that I think will interest readers of The Genetic Link. The study, titled "Array-Based Whole-Genome Survey of Dog Saliva DNA Yields High Quality SNP Data", was written by Jennifer S. Yokoyama, Carolyn A. Erdman and Steven P. Hamilton of the Department of Psychiatry and Institute for Human Genetics, at the University of California, San Francisco. The study is interesting for several reasons.
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The study highlights the availability of array-based genotyping platforms for canines but notes that they require large quantities of high quality genomic DNA.
- The authors state that there is an increasing demand in the research and clinical communities for larger sample studies to ensure statistical significance.
- The study notes that DNA sampling can become the limiting factor when studying canine behavioural traits.
The authors evaluate the performance of whole blood and Oragene•ANIMAL DNA collection kits for GWAS studies. DNA from all samples was analyzed using Illumina's Infinium Canine SNP20 genotyping array. The researchers' experience suggested that owners were more conducive to returning Oragene•ANIMAL kits than to agree to a blood sample. Surveys sent out with the kits also indicated that the owners found the collection to be very easy. The sample collection was successful for all participants and the process took less than 10 minutes.
High-throughput whole genome array genotyping was performed with outstanding results. The samples achieved very high overall genotype call rates (>99.5%) with very good concordance. They found that on average, genotypes from DNA derived from blood and saliva from a single dog matched >99.9% of the time*.
The researchers found the Oragene•ANIMAL DNA collection kits very favourable due to their ease-of-use and non-invasive approach, making them a preferred method of sample collection for future studies. According to the researchers: "Our results demonstrate that saliva collection from dogs is facile, convenient, and yields large amounts of high quality DNA that provide excellent performance on high-throughput whole genome arrays."
With Oragene•ANIMAL, researchers will be able to collect the number of samples required for GWAS studies and they can be confident of the quality and quantity of the DNA and its performance for array-based studies.
Want to read the full details on how Oragene•ANIMAL performed compared to whole blood in this study? Click here to link to the full report.
*Source: Yokoyama JS, Erdman CA, Hamilton SP (2010) Array-Based Whole-Genome Survey of Dog Saliva DNA Yields High Quality SNP Data. PLoS ONE 5(5): e10809. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0010809
This morning, Clinical Reference Laboratory (CRL) announced that it has completed validation testing of DNA Genotek's Oragene•DNA saliva collection kits and will adopt Oragene•DNA for use with its molecular diagnostic services.
CRL is a CLIA-certified molecular diagnostics services provider based in Lenexa, Kansas offering a wide assortment of molecular diagnostic services including gene expression profiling, microarrays, CNV/SNP typing, pathogen detection, infectious disease testing, pharmacogenetic testing, sample banking, assays for personalized medicine and custom diagnostics. CRL also operates a global clinical trials division.
"Working with DNA Genotek and utilizing its products enhances CRL's menu of high quality molecular services through saliva-based DNA tests", said CRL Executive Director of Molecular Diagnostics, Dr. Heather Newkirk. "Offering services integrating the Oragene•DNA product allows us to provide our clients with a state of the art solution for extraction and genotyping DNA from saliva. We are impressed with the quality and quantity of DNA we obtain using Oragene•DNA."
"CRL joins a growing list of genomic service providers and technology vendors that have validated Oragene•DNA with their products and/or service offerings," said Ian Curry, president and CEO, DNA Genotek, Inc. "Adding CRL to our program gives our customers increased access to an approved service provider that can reliably process samples collected with our products. Our customers can benefit from CRL's offerings for saliva-based DNA extraction, analysis and testing."
Everyone at DNA Genotek welcomes CRL to the DNA Genotek Partner Program.